This month at Partner for Healing we have focused on vicarious transformation. Laurie Pearlman and Kay Saavitne describe this as: “Vicarious transformation refers to the process of integrating a larger understanding of the human condition and humanity as a result of facing the truth and impact of traumatic events. We define it as a positive transformation in the self of the therapist or other trauma worker that comes about through empathetic engagement with the traumatized people we attempt to assist, their courage and their struggles, their losses and sorrow, and active engagement with the changes in ourselves that come about in response to that work, our VT.”
The first post of the month explored What Do We Mean By Vicarious Transformation?
Then we discussed Fifteen Examples of How Working with Trauma Survivors Can Make You a Better Person.
The third post considered How to Create More Hopeful Engaged Staff that is, how do we maximize vicarious transformation in our agencies. This included a list of tips and ideas for promoting staff growth.
Finally, we reviewed a book in a post entitled Are You Immune to Change?
Please join us in our discussion of this fascinating topic. In addition to personal enrichment, vicarious transformation has implications for preventing staff turnover and providing better care. I look forward to talking with you, Partner.
Pat Wilcox
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